Big snow falls on Small Business Saturday
New Ulm retailers report brisk sales despite weather
Staff photo by Fritz Busch From left, Violet, Olivia and Heather Hammer tend to a Canaan fire tree at A to Zinnia Floral & Gifts on Small Business Saturday in New Ulm.
Members of the Cathedral High School Honors Choir perform during a holiday showcase at Lykke Books and NU Brew Café. Photo by Tamara Klawitter
Staff photo by Fritz Busch Gallery 512 Stylists from left, Avery Roiger and Greta Friendshuh stand near a store display.
Inspired owner Christina Schwab holds one of the many Wigglitz (3D-printed toys) available in the store on Small Business Saturday. The toys are known for their wiggly movements that can be triggered by the slightest touch. Schwab said the toys are popular with children but suitable for adults too.
Staff photo by Fritz Busch From left, Violet, Olivia and Heather Hammer tend to a Canaan fire tree at A to Zinnia Floral & Gifts on Small Business Saturday in New Ulm.
Members of the Cathedral High School Honors Choir perform during a holiday showcase at Lykke Books and NU Brew Café. Photo by Tamara Klawitter
Staff photo by Fritz Busch Gallery 512 Stylists from left, Avery Roiger and Greta Friendshuh stand near a store display.
Inspired owner Christina Schwab holds one of the many Wigglitz (3D-printed toys) available in the store on Small Business Saturday. The toys are known for their wiggly movements that can be triggered by the slightest touch. Schwab said the toys are popular with children but suitable for adults too.
Trending
NEW ULM -- Snow fell on New Ulm on Saturday as shoppers visited local retailers for Small Business Saturday, a nationwide promotion designed to encourage community shopping after Black Friday.
New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce President Sarah Warmka said even with the snow many businesses reported steady traffic and strong sales.
At A to Zinnia Floral & Gifts, owner Heather Hammer said Christmas tree sales were brisk, with several hundred trees still available.
"We were very busy Friday with a lot of trees, greenery and garlands sold, but this weekend is our biggest weekend for Christmas tree sales," Hammer said.
She said gingerbread ornaments and bow‑decorated trees were popular. All trees inside the store were locally grown Canaan fir, which Hammer said combine the needle retention of Fraser firs with the fragrance of balsam.
"The Canaans are our second‑best seller, only behind Fraser fir trees that grow better in sandier soils in Wisconsin, Michigan and the Carolinas," she said.
Displays were arranged by theme, including gingerbread, metallic ornaments and religious items.
At Inspired, owner Christina Schwab said wall décor, food items and gifts sold well.
"Soap mixes and jams are popular," Schwab said.
She also highlighted Wigglitz, 3D‑printed toys made of plant‑based material that respond to touch.
"Kids and grandmas have been picking them up. They would make good stocking stuffers. Some of them are Christmas characters. We sell them daily," she said.
Schwab said the Loyal to Local New Ulm Holiday Passport program helped drive traffic. The program, which ran through November, encouraged shoppers to collect stamps at local businesses for a chance to win prizes. In previous years, it tracked more than $261,600 in local spending.
Gallery 512 reported steady sales.
"We've been busy Saturday too. We offered a $5 discount for purchases of $30 or more," said stylist Avery Roiger.
Stylist Greta Friendshuh said the store sold Christmas gifts, cold‑weather clothing, jewelry, lip products, perfume and hair accessories.
At Lykke Books and NU Brew Café, events coordinator Tamara Klawitter said customers continued to visit despite the snow.
"Small Business Saturday at Lykke Books and NU Brew Café was nothing short of magical," Klawitter said. "Our community bundled up, came out, and truly showed their love for local businesses."
She said Covington's in‑store showcase of Grinch crewnecks, lotions and pottery sold well. The venue also featured live music, including performances by Jessie Olson, Elizabeth Kassuelke, Matthew Moellenhoff, the Cathedral High School Honors Choir and Sheldon Meyer.
Warmka said the chamber encourages continued support for local businesses.
"From a chamber perspective, I think it's important to support small businesses on Small Business Saturday," she said. "But we want to remind everyone that supporting local businesses throughout the entire season is what really makes a difference."